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Creating Accessible Digital Content

Digital Accessibility Fundamentals

Make digital accessibility simple by focusing on these basics.

If you understand the basic elements of digital accessibility like headings, color contrast and alternative text, you can make a big difference in ensuring everyone in the NC State community can engage with our content.

The fundamentals below link to WebAIM, one of the leading international providers of web accessibility expertise.

Headings

Use headings to create organization and structure. They make content easier for all users to skim and for screen readers to navigate.

Links

Avoid using URLs as link text. Instead, opt for link text that quickly describes where the link points.

Alternative Text

Add alternative text to images to provide users with context when using a screen reader or when an image is unavailable.

Tables

Data tables should have clear captions, row and column headers, and scope to associate cells with the proper headers.

Color Contrast

Make sure there is enough contrast between text and background colors. Low contrast is difficult for many users to see.

Lists

Bulleted and ordered lists enhance content by adding structure, improving navigation and increasing readability.

The following tools help identify basic accessibility issues with websites, including why something is not accessible, and how to fix it:

  • The UDOIT Accessibility Checker in Canvas helps faculty optimize courses for students with disabilities.
  • WAVE is a suite of evaluation tools that helps authors make their web content more accessible to individuals with disabilities.

    • ​The WAVE tool video explains the basics of WAVE (web accessibility evaluation tool).